Direct-acting antivirals used in HCV-related liver disease do not affect thyroid function and autoimmunity.

PURPOSE: It is well known that interferon-α (IFN-α), used for long time as the main therapy for HCV-related disease, induces thyroid alterations, but the impact of the new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on thyroid is not established. Aim of this prospective study was to evaluate if DAAs therapy may induce thyroid alterations. METHODS: A total of 113 HCV patients, subdivided at the time of the enrollment in naïve group (n = 64) and in IFN-α group (n = 49) previously treated with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, were evaluated for thyroid function and autoimmunity before and after 20-32 weeks of DAAs. RESULTS: Before starting DAAs, a total of 8/113 (7.1%) patients showed Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) all belonging to IFN-α group (8/49, 16.3%), while no HT cases were found in the naïve group. Overall, 7/113 (6.2%) patients were hypothyroid: 3/64 (4.7%) belonging to naïve group and 4/49 (8.2%) to IFN-α group. Furthermore, a total of 8/113 patients (7.1%) showed subclinical hyperthyroidism: 2/64 (3.1%) were from naïve group and 6/49 (12.2%) from IFN-α group. Interestingly, after DAAs therapy, no new cases of HT, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was found in all series, while 6/11 (54.5%) patients with non-autoimmune subclinical thyroid dysfunction became euthyroid. Finally, the only association between viral genotypes and thyroid alterations was genotype 1 and hypothyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports evidence that DAAs have a limited or missing influence on thyroid in patients with HCV-related diseases. Moreover, it provides preliminary evidence that subclinical non-autoimmune thyroid dysfunction may improve after HCV infection resolution obtained by DAAs.

Active Aging and Elderly's Quality of Life: Comparing the Impact on Literature of Projects Funded by the European Union and USA.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research is to verify whether European projects on Active Aging (AA) and Elderly Quality of Life (Qol) funded by the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) produce an impact on literature similar to projects funded by the National Health Institute (NHI) of the United States on international literature using well-known bibliometric indicators. This effort may be useful in developing standardized and replicable procedures. METHODS: Fifteen randomly selected projects on AA and Elderly Qol concluded in August 2017 and funded by FP7 were compared to similar projects funded by the US NHI with reference to papers published (Scopus and Scholar), papers published in Q1 journals, and the number of citations of the papers linked to the projects. RESULTS: In all the indicators considered, the European projects showed no difference with the US NHI projects. CONCLUSIONS: The EU-funded AA and Qol Elderly projects have an impact on scientific literature comparable to projects funded in the United States by the NHI Agency.Our results are consistent with the data on general medical research, which indicates that, European research remains at a high level of competitiveness.In this experimental study, our methodology appeared to be convincing and reliable and it could be applied to the extent of the impact of more extensive research areas.Our research did not evaluate the relationship between funding required by research and scientific productivity.

Risk for Depression, Burnout and Low Quality of Life Among Personnel of a University Hospital in Italy is a Consequence of the Impact One Economic Crisis in the Welfare System?

BACKGROUND: Research literature suggests that burnout, depression, and a low mental quality of life (QOL) are common among health care workers. Economic crisis might have increased the burden of burnout, depression and low QOL in health care workers. OBJECTIVES: To identify depression risk, burnout levels, and quality of life in a sample of workers of an Italian university hospital. METHOD: Cross sectional study with comparison with two community surveys database results (n = 2000 and 1500, respectively). Overall, 522 workers accepted to take part in the study, representing a 78% response rate (out of 669 individuals). RESULTS: The frequency of positivity at the screener for Major Depressive Disorder among health care workers was more than double than that in the standardized community sample (33.3% vs 14.1%, p<0.0001). All professionals, except the administrative staff and technicians (i.e. those who do not have contact with patients), showed a statistically higher frequency of positivity for depressive episodes compared to the controls. Among the medical staff, the highest risk was found in the surgeon units, while the lowest one was in the laboratories. Surgeons also were those most exposed to high risk of burnout, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. CONCLUSION: Since burnout is linked to patient safety and quality of patient care, and contribute to medical errors, dedicated interventions aimed at reducing poor mental health and low quality of life in medical staff are indicated.

Prepectoral breast reconstruction with TiLoop® Bra Pocket: a single center prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decades, immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) raised in frequency, and prepectoral positioning of the implant is becoming the trend nowadays. The aim of this paper is to describe our case series in IBR with prepectoral implant placement and complete coverage of it with the TiLoop® Bra titanium-coated polypropylene mesh (TCPM), pre-shaped as a pocket. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen women with breast tumors were selected and underwent mono- or bilateral mastectomies and prepectoral IBR with tissue expanders or prostheses. After the prepectoral lodge was ready, the implants were inserted into TiLoop® Bra Pocket meshes and positioned over the pectoralis major muscle fascia. The mean surgical time of their positioning was four minutes. RESULTS: This preliminary study showed meaningful results in prepectoral IBR with TiLoop® Bra Pocket covering the implants, for we observed a reduction of implant's exposure time and risk of bacterial contamination. Of the 18 patients that underwent this procedure, only three presented complications that resolved in a maximum of four weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A considering reduction of surgical time in implant positioning was achieved, lowering exposure time and risk of complications as infection.

Differences and commonalities of national field epidemiology training programmes in Europe.

From 1994 to 2009, national field epidemiology training programmes (FETP) have been installed in Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Norway. During their two year duration, different components of the FETP are devised as follows: 63-79 weeks are spent on projects in hosting institutes, 2-26 weeks in outside projects, 9-30 weeks in courses and modules, and 1-2 weeks in scientific conferences. A considerable proportion of the Spanish FETP has is provided conventional class room training . The content of the modules is very similar for all programmes. Except from the Italian programme, all focus on infectious disease epidemiology. The German and Norwegian programmes are so called EPIET-associated programmesas their participants are integrated in the modules and the supervision offered by EPIET, but salaries, facilitators, and training sites are provided by the national programme. These EPIET-associated programmes require strong communications skills in English. Alumni of all five FETP are generally working within the public health work force in their respective countries or at international level, many of them in leading functions. Although three new FETP have been installed since the last published Euroroundup in Eurosurveillance on European FETP in 2001, the progress with respect to the establishment of national FETP or EPIET-associated programmes has been slow. Member States should be aware of how much support EPIET can offer for the establishment of national FETP or EPIET-associated programmes. However, they also need to be ready to provide the necessary resources, the administrative environment and long-term dedication to make field epidemiology training work.

[Survey of the nutritional status and related risk factors in primary school children in two Italian health units]. / Stato nutrizionale dei bambini delle scuole primarie nelle ASL 4 di Terni e 5 di Bari e fattori DI rischio correlati.

During the months of May and June 2007 two prevalence studies were conducted in two local health units in Italy (Terni and Bari). The objectives of the studies were to test methods and procedures to be used in the nutritional surveillance in primary schools; to measure the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children from those schools; and to determine the prevalence of physical activity and sedentary behaviour A total of 1026 children were measured and interviewed. The refusal rate was 17% in Terni and 16% in Bari. In Terni 8% of children were obese, 24% overweight, while in Bari the corresponding values were 11% and 24%. A high prevalence of behavioural risk factors for obesity was registered such as: not eating breakfast, reduced physical activity and sedentary behaviour It was also demonstrated that parents are often unaware that their children were overweight. The results of these surveys were consistent with the high prevalence that has been registered in other studies on Italian children in the third grade. The results showed also the feasibility of surveys in schools on the nutritional situation of children in primary schools, that can be adopted as a tool for a national surveillance.

Oncoplastic conservative surgery for breast cancer: long-term outcomes of our first ten years experience.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) is to optimize cosmetic outcomes and reduce patient morbidity, while still providing an oncologically-safe surgical outcome and extending the target population of conservative surgery. Although the growing number of reported experiences with oncoplastic surgery, few studies account for the long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 1024 consecutive oncoplastic surgeries were performed and prospectively included in a database. Demographic data, histological and oncological evaluation and surgical complications were recorded. The role of tumor and patients' characteristics on the development of local recurrence and metastases were assessed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median follow up was 74.2 months. The average age of patients was 56.24. In 869 patients (84.9%) an invasive tumor and in 155 (15.1%) an in situ tumor (11% DCIS and 4% LIN) was found. The average size of the tumor was 24.5 mm. A positive margin presented in 67 (6.5%) patients. Forty patients (50%) underwent re-excision and 39 (49.4%) underwent mastectomy. The overall breast conservation rate was 96.2%. Reported complications were: 17 wound infections (1.7%); 106 hematomas (10.4%); 94 lymphorrheas (9.2%), 48 partial wound dehiscence (4.7%). Local recurrences (LR) were observed in 49 patients (4.7%). The risk of local recurrence was significantly higher in the group of patients with lymphovascular invasion and with high grade (G) (p < 0.05). 52 (5.07%) distant metastases were reported and the related risk was significantly higher in the group of patients with lymphovascular invasion and with negative receptors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oncoplastic surgery provides an acceptable oncological long-term outcome and can be used to treat with conservative surgery also a selected population of patients who would had otherwise undergone mastectomy in the past.

Effects of a generalised ban on smoking in bars and restaurants, Italy.

CONTEXT: Italy implemented a law in January 2005 banning smoking in all enclosed public spaces. OBJECTIVES: To document perceived obstacles and effects of the law and observed client smoking behaviours in bars and restaurants. DESIGN: Four surveys were conducted between December 2004 and February 2006. Protocols and questionnaires were posted on a public health website to solicit participation among local health units (LHUs). Participating LHUs randomly selected 50 bars and restaurants using the electronic Yellow Pages. Self-administered questionnaires were delivered to owners or managers of selected locales; all of them were revisited during peak hours to collect questionnaires and observe client smoking. RESULTS: Before the ban, smokers were observed in 31% of locales; 24% of owners predicted major financial losses. One year later, no smokers were observed and only 7% reported major financial losses. Only 30% had received law enforcement visits. Most owners/managers (88%) reported positive attitudes about the law and 79% reported such attitudes among clients. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian smoking law has drastically reduced smoking in bars and restaurants despite minimal enforcement visits. Perceived negative effects on profits appear limited, and the owners and managers and their clients are satisfied.

New findings on 3-D microanatomy of cellular structures in human tissues and organs. An HRSEM study.

We present here findings obtained on a large number of human tissues over a period of more than ten years, by our modification of the Osmium maceration method for high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). Data are documented by original pictures which illustrate both some 3-D intracellular features not previously shown in human tissues, and results obtained in our current studies on mitochondrial morphology and on the secretory process of salivary glands. We have demonstrated that mitochondria of cells of practically all human tissues and organs have usually tubular cristae, and that even the cristae that look lamellar are joined to the inner mitochondrial membrane by tubular connexions similar to the crista junctions later seen by electron tomography. Concerning salivary glands an important result is the development of a morphometric method that allows the quantitative evaluation of the secretory events.

[Modes of hepatitis C virus transmission: methodological approaches]. / Les modes de transmission du virus de l'hépatite C : approches méthodologiques.

Since the mid-1990s, hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission through blood transfusion has become very rare in western countries. Better understanding of the current modes of transmission is needed. However, risk factors have been mainly estimated on prevalent HCV infections. In this paper we describe the methods of the main case-control studies and their contribution to the knowledge on modes of HCV transmission. We also report the results of a case-control study of incident HCV infections recently carried out in France which confirms the continuing major role of IV drug use and suggests that transmission related to invasive care remained a potential source of new HCV infection between 1995 and 2001.

Cell proliferation induced by triiodothyronine in rat liver is associated with nodule regression and reduction of hepatocellular carcinomas.

Previous studies have demonstrated that short-term treatment with peroxisome proliferators decreased the size and number of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase or placental glutathione S-transferase (GSTP)-positive hepatic hyperplastic lesions. In this study, we have examined the effect of the hormone triiodothyronine (T3), which, similarly to peroxisome proliferators, is a strong liver mitogen and a ligand of nuclear receptors, on the growth of GSTP-positive nodules generated by the resistant hepatocyte model and on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic hyperplastic nodules were induced in male Fischer rats by a single dose (150 mg/kg) of diethylnitrosamine, followed by a 2-week exposure of the animals to 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy. Nine weeks after diethylnitrosamine administration, rats were switched to a diet containing 4 mg/kg T3 for 1 week (experiment 1) and sacrificed during T3 feeding or were exposed to seven cycles of T3-supplemented diet (1 week/month per 7 months), and sacrificed 6 months after the last cycle (experiment 2). Results showed that T3 treatment for 1 week caused a 70% reduction in the number of GSTP-positive nodules (14/cm2 in T3-fed rats versus 44/cm2 of control animals), as well as GSTP-positive area (12% versus 43% of controls). Reduction in the number of GSTP-positive nodules observed 1 week after T3 feeding was associated with a strong increase in the labeling index of enzyme-altered nodules compared with that of controls (labeling index was 64 and 31%, respectively). No significant differences in the apoptotic index were observed between the two groups. Results from experiment 2 did reveal that although rats treated with diethylnitrosamine + 2-acetylaminofluorene developed 100% hepatocellular carcinoma and 33% of them showed lung metastasis, only 50% of rats exposed to repeated cycles of triiodothyronine developed hepatocellular carcinoma with no lung metastasis. This study indicates that cell proliferation per se might not necessarily represent a promoting condition for putative preneoplastic lesions and demonstrates an anticarcinogenic effect of T3.

Induction of pancreatic acinar cell proliferation by thyroid hormone.

Thyroid hormone is known to elicit diverse cellular and metabolic effects in various organs, including mitogenesis in the rat liver. In the present study, experiments were carried out to determine whether thyroid hormone is able to stimulate cell proliferation in another quiescent organ such as the pancreas. 3,5,3'-L-tri-iodothyronine (T3) added to the diet at a concentration of 4 mg/kg caused a striking increase in nuclear bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation of rat acinar cells 7 days after treatment (the labeling index was 46.7% in T3-treated rats vs 7.1% in controls). BrdU incorporation was limited to the acinar cells, with duct cells and islet cells being essentially negative. The increase in DNA synthesis was accompanied by the presence of several mitotic figures. Histological examination of the pancreas did not exhibit any sign of T3-induced toxicity. Determination of the apoptotic index, measurement of the serum levels of alpha-amylase and lipase, and glycemia determination did not show any increase over control values, suggesting that the enhanced proliferation of acinar cells was a direct effect induced by T3 and not a regenerative response consequent to acinar or beta-cell injury. Additional experiments showed that DNA synthesis was induced as early as 2 days after T3 treatment (the labeling index was 9.4 vs 1.9% in controls) and was associated with increased protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin A and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, with no substantial differences in the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27. The mitogenic effect of T3 on the pancreas was not limited to the rat, since extensive acinar cell proliferation was also observed in the pancreas of mice treated with T3 for 1 week (the labeling index was 28% in T3-treated mice vs 1.8% in controls). Treatment with three other ligands of nuclear receptors, ciprofibrate, all-trans retinoic acid and 1,4-bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)]benzene, induced little or no pancreatic cell proliferation. These results demonstrated that T3 is a powerful inducer of cell proliferation in the pancreas and suggested that pancreatic acinar cell proliferation by selected agents may have potential for therapeutic use.

Surveillance of listeria infections in Europe.

In addition to the economic consequences and threats associated with outbreaks, listeriosis remains of great public health concern, as it has one of the highest case fatality rates of all the foodborne infections (20%-30%), and has common source epidemic potential. Changes in the way food is produced, distributed and stored have created the potential for diffuse and widespread outbreaks involving many countries. In 2002, a survey was carried out to assess the need for and the feasibility of a European network on listeria infections in humans. Data on surveillance systems and laboratory methods were collected through two postal surveys sent to the national Centres for communicable disease surveillance and to the listeria reference laboratories. Surveillance systems for listeria infections were in operation in 16 out of the 17 countries surveyed, and 16 countries had a national reference laboratory (NRL). All countries based their case definition of listeriosis on the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes. Fourteen NRLs performed at least one typing method on human strains. At least 13 countries already carried out or expressed willingness to carry out characterisation of isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from human cases following a standard protocol. The participants concluded that there was a clear added value to having a European surveillance network for listeria infections, particularly for outbreak detection and investigation, and that a surveillance network based on the existing national surveillance systems was feasible.

Surveillance of listeria infections in Europe.

In addition to the economic consequences and threats associated with outbreaks, listeriosis remains of great public health concern, as it has one of the highest case fatality rates of all the foodborne infections (20%-30%), and has common source epidemic potential. Changes in the way food is produced, distributed and stored have created the potential for diffuse and widespread outbreaks involving many countries. In 2002, a survey was carried out to assess the need for and the feasibility of a European network on listeria infections in humans. Data on surveillance systems and laboratory methods were collected through two postal surveys sent to the national Centres for communicable disease surveillance and to the listeria reference laboratories. Surveillance systems for listeria infections were in operation in 16 out of the 17 countries surveyed, and 16 countries had a national reference laboratory (NRL). All countries based their case definition of listeriosis on the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes. Fourteen NRLs performed at least one typing method on human strains. At least 13 countries already carried out or expressed willingness to carry out characterisation of isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of L. monocytogenes strains isolated from human cases following a standard protocol. The participants concluded that there was a clear added value to having a European surveillance network for listeria infections, particularly for outbreak detection and investigation, and that a surveillance network based on the existing national surveillance systems was feasible.

A Nutritional Approach to the Prevention of Cancer: from Assessment to Personalized Intervention.

Among lifestyle factors, nutrition is one of the most important determinants of health, and represents a pivotal element of cancer risk. Nonetheless, epidemiological evidences of the relationship between several cancers and specific foods and nutrients is still inadequate, and solid conclusions are missing. Indeed, caloric restriction without malnutrition is associated to cancer prevention. Food may be also the primary route of exposure to contaminants such as metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pesticides. Exposuredisease associations and the interplay with genetic susceptibility requires further studies on genetic variation, environment, lifestyle, and chronic disease in order to eliminate and reduce associated health risks, thus contributing to improve health outcomes for the population. A primary nutritional approach for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) has been developed by the Nutrition group of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on AHA. The working group on lifestyles of the Italian Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive approach to adequate nutrition using a consensus methodology to collect and integrate the available evidences from the literature and from the Italian experiences at the regional level, to raise the interest of other experts and relevant stakeholders to outline and scale-up joint strategies for a primary nutritional approach to cancer prevention.

Ciprofibrate and triiodothyronine do not suppress in vivo induction of placental glutathione S-transferase expression in rat hepatocytes.

Studies on hepatocyte primary cultures have suggested that loss of expression of the placental form of glutathione S-transferase in peroxisome proliferator (PP)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is due to inhibition of glutathione S-transferase P (GSTP) transcription by the PPs. In the present study, we have analyzed the effect of a PP, ciprofibrate, and of another ligand of nuclear receptors, 3,3', 5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), on GSTP mRNA and protein levels in an in vivo model where GSTP expression was induced in Wistar rats by pre-treatment with a single dose of lead nitrate. Results indicate that administration of ciprofibrate or T3, immediately after lead nitrate treatment, did not exert any inhibitory effect on GSTP mRNA and protein levels, as revealed by both Western and immunohistochemical analysis. The results indicate that PPs do not inhibit hepatocyte GSTP expression induced in vivo by lead nitrate and suggest that inhibition of GSTP expression by PPs may not necessarily be the cause for the rapid disappearance of GSTP-positive preneoplastic lesions observed after a short term exposure to these agents.

Efficacy of outreach nutrition rehabilitation centres in reducing mortality and improving nutritional outcome of severely malnourished children in Guinea Bissau.

OBJECTIVE: There is still controversy about the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of outreach nutrition rehabilitation centres (NRCs) for severely malnourished children. We wanted to compare the mortality rates and nutritional status of severely malnourished children admitted to rural NRCs in Gabu region, Guinea Bissau, with other severely malnourished children who were not rehabilitated and stayed in their villages. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study over a 3-year period. Mortality rates and nutritional outcome compared for children who were admitted to rural NRCs and those who were not rehabilitated. Selection for admission to the NRCs was based on availability of places only. SETTING: 19 health areas of the Gabu region, Guinea Bissau, West Africa. SUBJECTS: 1038 severely malnourished children (< 60% weight-for-age using NCHS standards) aged 6 to 47 months. 354 were rehabilitated in NRCs and 684 received no rehabilitation. RESULTS: Up to 36 months follow-up the relative risk of death in the rehabilitated group was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (c.i.) = 0.57-0.99], equivalent to a 25% reduction in mortality. The difference in mortality between the two groups was much higher during the first 3 months [P < 0.02, relative risk = 0.59 (95% c.i. = 0.39-0.91)]. Rehabilitated children had a higher mean weight gain in the first 3 months (1.63 compared to 0.56 weight-for-age standard deviation score, P < 0.001), and weight gain differences lasted up to 18 months (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost, outreach NRCs are effective both in the short term and in the mid-term to improve the nutritional situation and reduce the mortality of severely malnourished children.

PIP: Whether or not to provide nutrition rehabilitation for children with protein-energy malnutrition remains controversial. Hospital-based rehabilitation has been criticized as a waste of time and money due to the high levels of case fatality during treatment, after discharge, and among children who abscond. Nutrition rehabilitation centers (NRCs) were strongly recommended during the 1970s as an alternative to hospital treatment. International agencies have not, however, generally promoted NRCs as an integral part of primary health care. The authors measured the efficacy of rural NRCs in nineteen health areas in Gabu region, Guinea-Bissau, in reducing the mortality rates and improving the nutritional outcomes of severely malnourished children. The mortality rates and nutritional status of severely malnourished children admitted to the rural NRCs were compared with data on other severely malnourished children who were not rehabilitated and remained in their villages. 1038 children aged 6-47 months were involved in the study; 354 were rehabilitated and 684 were not. Up to 36 months follow-up, the relative risk of death in the rehabilitated group was 0.75, equivalent to a 25% reduction in mortality. The difference in mortality between the two groups was much higher during the first three months following intervention, with rehabilitated children having a higher mean weight gain during the first three months with weight gain differences lasting up to 18 months. Low-cost, outreach NRCs were therefore found to be effective both in the short term and in the mid term in improving the nutritional situation and reducing the mortality of severely malnourished children.

Clustered cases of leptospirosis in Rochefort, France, June 2001.

Five clustered cases of leptospirosis were diagnosed in the area of Rochefort, France, in June 2001, among teenagers who had swum in the Genouillé canal. The symptoms included fever, headache, abdominal pain and vomiting, chills and myalgia. Three cases were confirmed by PCR and serology. The mean cumulative duration of bathing was significantly higher in cases (23.8 hours) compared to controls (14.4 hours). No other particular risk factor was observed. The environmental investigation revealed the presence of rodents excreting of leptospires near the bathing area. For all antigens considered, the occurence of seropositive rodents was 30.8%, L. icterohaemorrhagiae being the predominant serogroup (23,1%).

Perinatal transmission of HIV-2 infection in malnourished children in Guinea Bissau.

Since there have been a few reports of pediatric HIV-2 infection. We therefore investigated the perinatal transmission of HIV-2 in 147 malnourished and 164 well-nourished children attending a health center in the northern part of Guinea Bissau. Specific HIV-2 antibodies were detected in 17 mothers and in 2 malnourished children, one of them with pediatric AIDS. This study demonstrates that mother to child transmission of HIV-2 infection occurs in Guinea Bissau and suggests that there is an increased likelihood of detecting HIV-2 infection in malnourished children. The high seroprevalence of HIV-2 in a rural population without known risk factors may represent a hidden threat to mother/child health.

PIP: The authors tested blood samples of 147 malnourished children, 164 well-nourished children, and their 205 mothers with the goal of exploring the extent to which HIV-1 and HIV-2 were being transmitted perinatally in Guinea-Bissau. The children were attending a health center in the northern part of Guinea-Bissau and had been breast fed from birth to 20 months of age or longer. Analysis found antibodies to HIV-2 in 17 mothers and 2 malnourished children, one with pediatric AIDS. These findings demonstrate the occurrence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-2 in the country and suggest a possible increased likelihood of detecting HIV-2 infection in malnourished children. The high seroprevalence of HIV-2 infection in a rural population without known risk factors may represent a hidden threat to the health of mothers and children.

Sequential analysis of multistage hepatocarcinogenesis reveals that miR-100 and PLK1 dysregulation is an early event maintained along tumor progression.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, and their dysregulation has been reported to affect the development and progression of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in the plethora of dysregulated miRNAs, it is largely unknown which of them have a causative role in the hepatocarcinogenic process. In the present study, we first aimed to determine changes in the expression profile of miRNAs in human HCCs and to compare them with liver tumors generated in a rat model of chemically induced HCC. We found that members of the miR-100 family (miR-100, miR-99a) were downregulated in human HCCs; a similar downregulation was also observed in rat HCCs. Their reduction was paralleled by an increased expression of polo like kinase 1 (PLK1), a target of these miRNAs. The introduction of miR-100 in HCC cells impaired their growth ability and their capability to form colonies in soft agar. Next, we aimed at investigating, in the same animal model, if dysregulation of miR-100 and PLK1 is an early or late event along the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis. The obtained results showed that miR-100 downregulation (i) is already evident in very early preneoplastic lesions generated 9 weeks after carcinogenic treatment; (ii) is also observed in adenomas and early HCCs; and (iii) is not simply a marker of proliferating hepatocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first work unveiling the role of a miRNA family along HCC progression.